A friend reached out this week to share that in the midst of this challenge, he made a purchase. He was embarrassed, but I was glad to hear him tell me all about it.

“I bought something I definitely didn’t need and regretted it afterward,” he said. “I think I’m going to return it.”

After more discussion, he agreed that he definitely wanted to return his purchase. I asked why he bought it, what led to the purchase, and what he wanted to get out of it.

It’s so important to be honest about this process.

For starters, this entire challenge seems a little ridiculous! Don’t you think? (At least, I feel ridiculous doing it…)

cold turkey

I essentially made the decision to do this, and then quit my spending habits cold turkey. Cold turkey is almost never the best route to take when you’re trying to make a significant change. How could a person not fall off the wagon? But I forced myself directly into the deep end.

When I commiserated with my friend, we talked about the actual intention of challenge. It’s not necessarily about buying absolutely nothing for all 90 days. I mean, yes, that’s a goal, but it’s not the only goal.

going deeper

The real intention behind this challenge is figuring out what, how, and why I spend money. It’s an opportunity to look critically at purchases and think about them. It’s even about analyzing the feelings associated with buying goods.

In the past, there hasn’t been much thought behind purchases because we’ve been so blessed. We have wiggle room to buy stuff. We want something, we get it. End of story.

But there’s more to life, isn’t there?

what does your wallet say?

My willy-nilly purchases say more about me than I think.

It believe they say, “you act before you think.” It’s true that I am the more impulsive person when I look at me and my husband.

After starting up this challenge, I’m convinced that the way we treat our finances is sometimes tied to the way we treat ourselves.

Maybe I’ve been a little willy-nilly with my own path. Maybe some of my personal choices need intention. Maybe my attempts to avoid overthinking has turned into less thinking in the opposite extreme.

Having the time to reflect on all of these things brings me immense comfort and peace. I feel like I’m getting to know myself and helping my bank account in the process.

How is the challenge going for you? Share the details! Share some thoughts! And share your peace. Namaste every day, friends!

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